Spied: 2012 Volvo V60

Slotted squarely into the hole between the V50 and V70 is a new Volvo V60, essentially a wagon version of the new 2011 Volvo S60 set to take the stage in production form in Geneva next month. Our spy photographers caught up to the upcoming V60 during a recent winter testing session.

Under the larger body, the V60 is expected to be nearly identical to the S60 sedan. Along with the sedan's fresh new looks inside and out, the V60 is expected to get its drivetrains as well. That means both diesel and gasoline power plants, with the 205-horsepower 2.4-liter inline five-cylinder diesel and the 304-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine almost certainly are assured in Europe. So far, only the latter gasoline-powered mill is confirmed for the U.S.

At launch, Volvo also plans to offer the S60 sedan with a turbocharged 203-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 163-horsepower 2.0-liter inline five-cylinder diesel, both of which could also find their way into the V60. Later on, Volvo will add three more turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines, two displacing 1.6 liters and making 150 horsepower and 180 horsepower and one displacing 2.0 liters for a total of 240 horsepower. Volvo will also add its DRIVe 1.6-liter diesel that makes 115 horsepower and all of these engines could also see duty in the V60.

Further likening it to the S60 sedan, the V60 is expected to use the same Geartronic six-speed automatic gear box and an optional six-speed manual transmission. The V60 is also expected to be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, like the sedan.

As of yet, only the S60 sedan is known to be debuting in Geneva next month, so the V60's curtain call is still unknown. Presuming it doesn't bow in Switzerland, the V60 wagon will likely debut later this year after the new S60 has had a chance to establish itself in the market.Thanks to: Motor Trend